A POOR turnout took the shine off Northwich Carnival on Saturday and left hard-pressed organisers wondering what to do next.

Various reasons were given for the drop in the number of spectators, with predictions of poor weather and the ongoing closure of Hayhurst Bridge not helping matters.

Acting chairman Barbara Turner said the event would probably break-even, but charity donations this year would not be as much as in other years.

'The town is turning its back on the carnival and we are going to have to have to rethink what we do next year,' she said.

'We don't want to see the carnival die out but people do seem to want more sophisticated entertainment these days.'

She added: 'We were all doing about six jobs and we all felt shattered at the end of it. Unless we get more help there doesn't seem to be a lot of future for the carnival. We want to carry on but we desperately need more manpower.'

The organisers' hard work was, nevertheless, rewarded by the hundreds of people who did turn out to soak up the atmosphere and join in the fun.

The day started with a grand parade through the town to the arena in Verdin Park, where actor Nick Conway, who played Billy in Bread, crowned this year's carnival queen, Rudheath teenager Laura Brown.

Barnton Youth Club won the prize for best non-trade float in the parade with their ghoulish recreation of Michael Jack-son's Thriller.

Noah's Ark by Barnton Parish Church came second and Mid Cheshire Samaritans came third. Marks & Spencer won the prize for best trade float.

Little Leigh WI May queen Stephanie Lawless won the contest for best visiting queen's car in the parade and Comberbach rose queen Elizabeth Phillips was the best queen on parade in the arena.